Cleaning a tank

Question
Hi, I just got a 50 gallon tank from a friend.  It is so dirty, but I do not know what to use to clean it.  Is there a special product out there for cleaning fish tanks.  I used a steam cleaner on it because I did not want to use lots of chemicals or an sos pad.  It got some of the crusty dirt off, but there is still a lot more to clean.  If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Donna

Answer
I forgot to mention it is safe to clean an empty tank with baking soda and vinegar inside and outside the tank as long as it is rinsed well afterward. Neither leaves a residue that will harm your fish once you get it set up.

Chris


Hi Donna;

If the tank is glass and not plastic, you can scrub it all over with a paste of baking soda and water on a clean rag or clean paper towel and rinse. I use vinegar after that to soak and scrub mineral build-up. For especially hard mineral deposits, I use a razor blade scraper. (Be sure to avoid the sealant in the edges so the tank will not leak.) Rinse well again and it is ready to use.

If the tank is acrylic or plastic, don't scrape or scrub. Use just vinegar and water.

Followups welcome.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins